HC Deb 03 December 1969 vol 792 cc1485-6
42. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the recent incident in which the Polaris nuclear submarine "Renown" was involved in an accident with another ship.

Dr. David Owen

H.M.S. "Renown" collided with the M.V. "Moyle" while carrying out work-up exercises in the Irish Sea on the night of 13th October. There were no casualties. Both vessels suffered some damage but the "Renown" was operational again the next day. H.M.S. "Renown's" commanding officer is to be tried by court-martial.

Mr. Allaun

Although no missiles were aboard in this case, does not my hon. Friend agree that this was an entirely unforeseeable and a one-in-a-thousand accident and that therefore the same kind of accident could happen to missiles on board a Polaris submarine, or the thousands available elsewhere, despite the safeguards on them?

Dr. Owen

Naturally, any accident at sea is a subject for concern, and the role performed by the Polaris boats calls for extraordinary vigilance against any possibility of a mishap. However, I should remind the House that, in the unlikely event of a nuclear weapon being involved in a collision, there would be no danger of a nuclear explosion.

Mr. Monro

Was this submarine carrying lights in this busy shipping channel, and why was not the accident reported so that the search could have been called off much sooner?

Dr. Owen

I have written to the hon. Gentleman about some other points in his letter. I think that the House will agree that, in view of the impending court-martial, I would be wise not to comment on any other aspects.